A 2009 study, co-sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, showed feeding high levels of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to Canadian swine reduced producers’ input costs and provided “excellent� growth performance. As the leading researcher for the collaborative study, Eduardo Beltranena, research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, traveled to Mexico this week to discuss the trial results and help the local industry expand their use of the product.
While Mexico is the United States’ largest DDGS market, importing more than 1.3 million metric tons in 2009 through November, livestock producers do not necessarily take full advantage of this feed alternative. Beltranena shared the positive results of the Canada DDGS feeding trial with more than 300 attendees at the Swine Veterinary Practitioners of Los Altos de Jalisco Annual Meeting. He also conducted site visits with producers and feed companies who are using low inclusion rates of DDGS.
“Misconceptions about DDGS exist in Mexico without proper testing. The number one issue preventing DDGS use or higher inclusions in livestock and poultry feeds in Mexico is unfounded mycotoxin paranoia,� said Beltranena. He said a lack of technical knowledge and competitive pricing also contribute to low inclusions, adding that producers want to contract directly with U.S. plants to obtain the lowest price.
“They have positive attitudes and an eagerness to learn how to become more feed competitive,� he said. The Council anticipates Mexico to import 1.5 million tons of DDGS in 2010.